The Coast Academy of Dance entertained its audience with a high energy, fast-paced year-end performance on June 9 and 10 in Sechelt.
Once Upon a Dance was well-rounded, showcasing pieces inspired by classic story lines. Dancers of all ages and abilities took to the stage, showing off all their hard work throughout the year.
The preschool ballerinas and primary dancers stole the hearts of everyone as they performed the likes of Mary Poppins, Little Bo Peep and 101 Dalmatians.
A very dynamic number was We Found Love, choreographed by Terra Dannes and Christina Fitchett. This was a number that combined advanced acrobatics and various levels of tap.
Tara MacLeod's highland dancers showed off their skills in an entertaining number. Highlights of the ballet program included the dramatic Masque of the Red Death choreographed by Shirley Jackson, as well as Peter Pan, choreographed by Kathleen Holmes.
Peter Pan took the audience through the full fairy tale with dancers performing as Peter Pans, Tinkerbells, Captain Hooks, Tiger Lilys and Wendys.
Julie Izad and Christina Fitchett showcased dancers through production pieces such as Tales of the 20s, Adele, Happy Feet, Dirty Dancing and Mamma Mia.
These were thoroughly entertaining numbers that encompassed dancing, acting and great fun. Another highlight of the show included musical theatre pieces choreographed by Julie Evans. These were based on the classic hits Cell Block Tango and Steamed Heat.
Hip hop dancers rounded out the show with hard-hitting and upbeat numbers, choreographed by Chris Wong.
The pre-professional program dancers Meghan Campbell, Baylee Higgins, Rebecca Izad, Tarah Kalman, Michelle Millican and Richele Wright shone throughout the show. They opened the Adele Tribute to show their impressive performance capabilities. They also showed off their acting skills in Mamma Mia, playing various roles. From serious to comedy, ballet to hip hop, these girls showed how well rounded they have become.
The show also included solos choreographed and performed by Richele, Rebecca and Baylee. These solos allowed the girls to show how far they have come before they head onto the next step in their dance careers.
Julie Izad took the stage with her adult tap class, as they journeyed through the 1920s from the Argentine Tango to the upbeat Charleston.
Wong took part in a fantastic hip hop trio with two of his senior students, Luke Hansen and Jarret Carrlington. Shirley Jackson and Ivana Cappelletto joined in the fun with adult ballet, adult cardio and adult hip hop. Fitchett rounded out the show with a solo of her own.
The whole performance finished with an impressive and upbeat finale, led by the jazz program. Love on Top left the audience smiling on the way out of the theatre. Many people came together to make the show a great success.
Congratulations to all the talented dancers who took to the stage.
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